The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) stepped up its efforts to clean Ambazari Lake on Saturday, removing approximately 200 tipper loads of water hyacinth. The invasive weed was subsequently dumped in a large pit along the lake's bank near Hingna Road.
Ongoing Battle Against Water Hyacinth
Shweta Banerjee, superintending engineer of the NMC public health engineering department, stated that the water hyacinth infestation is unlikely to be eliminated quickly. Eradication efforts are expected to continue for another two to three years. She explained that the spread of water hyacinth began around 2021 and gradually engulfed large sections of the lake. Banerjee attributed the proliferation mainly to the inflow of untreated sewage.
Shift in Approach
A senior NMC official revealed that the civic body attempted chemical treatment last year, but the results were unsatisfactory. Authorities have now shifted to continuous mechanical removal, which experts consider the most practical and effective approach. Scientific studies have also recommended sustained extraction of the weed to curb its growth.
Concerns and Calls for Long-Term Solution
Former Nagpur guardian minister Satish Chaturvedi urged the administration to develop a long-term solution before the situation worsens. He cautioned against allowing Ambazari Lake to deteriorate into a condition similar to the heavily polluted Nag River, where expensive restoration efforts are already underway.
